Black Beach Lorneville
Discover Black Beach in Lorneville, NB, a unique natural wonder with striking black sand and dramatic coastal scenery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Reveals tidal pools and more beach space
Black Beach Lorneville
Best Time
Reveals tidal pools and more beach space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Black Beach in Lorneville, NB, a unique natural wonder with striking black sand and dramatic coastal scenery.
"Absolutely stunning beach!! Views to die for. Can't wait to go back."
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Black sand sticks and stains; closed-toe shoes are best for exploring.
🚗 Rough road access
The road can be rocky. Consider a vehicle with higher clearance if possible.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Striking Black Sand
Unique dark sand composed of graphite and magnetite creates a dramatic, almost lunar landscape.
Coastal Scenery
Dramatic cliffs and natural beauty surround the beach, offering stunning views and photo opportunities.
Tidal Pools and Wildlife
As the tide recedes, discover fascinating tidal pools teeming with snails and small marine life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Unique Black Sand
Access and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Black sand sticks and stains; closed-toe shoes are best for exploring.
🚗 Rough road access
The road can be rocky. Consider a vehicle with higher clearance if possible.
📸 Perfect for photography
The unique black sand and coastal views make it a photographer's dream.
🦀 Explore tidal pools
Check tide times to discover fascinating marine life as the water recedes.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Black sand sticks and stains; closed-toe shoes are best for exploring.
🚗 Rough road access
The road can be rocky. Consider a vehicle with higher clearance if possible.
📸 Perfect for photography
The unique black sand and coastal views make it a photographer's dream.
🦀 Explore tidal pools
Check tide times to discover fascinating marine life as the water recedes.
🧺 Pack a picnic
Limited facilities mean bringing your own food and drinks is recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique beauty of Black Beach, particularly its striking black sand and dramatic coastal scenery. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to explore tidal pools teeming with life. While the rough road access and the nature of the sand (sticking to feet) are noted drawbacks, the overall experience is described as stunning and memorable.
"We loved our visit to Black Beach in St. John's! As the tide went out, it revealed tons of snails pools and rocks —our kids were busy exploring and even discovered a crab. Coming from Florida, I’m used to a different kind of beach for swimming, but the dramatic scenery and peaceful vibe here made it a really special experience. As the name states, the sand is black and the view is just beautiful."
Marilynn Kaye
"Black Beach in Saint John, New Brunswick, is a quiet and beautiful spot. The dark sand gives it a unique and glamorous look, unlike most beaches. It's peaceful, with calm waves and stunning natural views.
Surrounded by cliffs and nature, it’s a great place to relax, take photos, or enjoy a walk. If you’re looking for a quiet escape with amazing scenery, Black Beach is a perfect choice."
Roshen Fernando
"The road to get here is made up of large rocks and is rough to drive on. It is so beautiful once you get there; the black sand is more of a ground rock. I'd bring shoes next time as the black sand will get very stuck to your feet and stain your skin. It's a really quiet spot, not too many people. We had the whole beach to ourselves"
Cass MacGregor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Black Beach is located in Lorneville, New Brunswick. The access road can be rough and rocky, so a vehicle with good clearance is advisable. It's about a 20-minute drive from Saint John.
No, the road leading to Black Beach is described as being made up of large rocks and can be rough to drive on.
Public transport options are limited for reaching Black Beach. It's best accessed by private vehicle.
Yes, nearby attractions include Split Rock Lighthouse and hiking trails in the Lorneville area. 
The Lorneville Link Trail connects to the Five Fathom Trail, offering opportunities for longer hikes or even overnight trips.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee mentioned for Black Beach, making it a free natural attraction.
Black Beach is a natural outdoor location and is generally accessible at any time.
No booking is required for general visits to Black Beach. It's a public access area.
Facilities are limited at Black Beach. It's advisable to come prepared with all your necessities.
While some visitors have mentioned swimming, it's not typically considered a swimming beach due to the rocky shore and dark sand. It's more for exploring and enjoying the scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique black sand, dramatic cliffs, and coastal scenery provide a stunning and unusual backdrop for photos.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
The black sand itself, the tidal pools revealed at low tide, and the surrounding coastal landscape offer diverse photographic subjects.
A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive coastal views, while a macro lens might be useful for close-ups of tidal pool life.
Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check local bylaws and Transport Canada guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
🎫 🌿 Nature & Wildlife
You might spot various marine life in the tidal pools, such as snails and small crabs, especially during low tide.
The coastal environment can attract various seabirds. Bring binoculars for a better viewing experience.
The area is known for its coastal vegetation. Reddit users have mentioned finding fiddleheads in the vicinity.
The black sand is primarily composed of graphite and magnetite deposits, giving the beach its distinctive color.
While specific protection status isn't detailed, it's a natural coastal area valued for its unique geology and scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While it's not a typical swimming beach, the calm waters in some areas can be suitable for paddling. The rough road access might require careful driving, but the unique scenery and the chance to explore make it a worthwhile destination. Remember to bring sturdy shoes for the kids, as the black sand can get everywhere, and pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are minimal.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers
+1 Capture the stark contrast between the dark shore and the ocean, especially during low tide when intricate tidal pools and marine life are exposed. Consider visiting during the golden hours for the most dramatic lighting. The surrounding cliffs and coastal scenery also offer ample opportunities for landscape photography. Remember to bring appropriate gear, including a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and perhaps a macro lens for detailed shots of the sand and tidal pools.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Black Beach
+1The presence of these minerals also contributes to the beach's unique aesthetic. Unlike soft, powdery sand, the particles here can be coarser and may stick to skin and clothing, a detail many visitors note. This characteristic, while requiring a bit more preparation (like wearing appropriate footwear), adds to the beach's raw, natural charm. It’s a place where the earth’s raw materials are on full display, offering a different kind of beach experience.
This unique composition also influences the beach's micro-environment. The dark sand can absorb more heat, and the mineral content might affect the local flora and fauna. It’s a reminder of the powerful geological processes that shape our coastlines, making Black Beach a site of both natural beauty and scientific interest.
Exploring the Lorneville Trails
+1These trails are praised for their stunning coastal views and the opportunity to experience the diverse natural landscape. Hikers can expect to encounter varied terrain, potentially including areas with unique flora like fiddleheads, as mentioned by some users. The trails provide a fantastic way to explore the area surrounding Black Beach, offering a more active way to appreciate the natural environment.
For those seeking a more extended adventure, the connection to the Five Fathom Trail opens up possibilities for overnight hikes, allowing for a deeper exploration of the region's natural wonders. Whether you're looking for a short stroll to complement your beach visit or a more challenging backcountry experience, the Lorneville trail system offers a rewarding outdoor adventure.
Photography Tips for Black Beach
+1When photographing the beach itself, experiment with different perspectives. A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the expansive coastal views and the dramatic sweep of the black sand. For closer shots, focus on the textures of the sand, the patterns in the tidal pools, or the rugged details of the cliffs. Don't forget to capture the contrast between the dark sand and the water, especially during low tide when interesting rock formations and marine life are exposed.
Remember that the black sand can be quite fine and may stick to gear. Bringing a lens cloth and perhaps a small brush can be helpful for keeping your equipment clean. Also, consider the weather; a foggy or overcast day can add a moody, ethereal quality to your photographs, making the black sand even more pronounced against the muted tones.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit